Soon-to-be former Victoria city manager named interim manager in Gonzales

Charles Windwehen, who officially retires as Victoria's city manager on Feb. 28, has been named the interim city manager for the city of Gonzales beginning March 1.

The Gonzales City Council made the appointment Tuesday night.

Windwehen will replace David Huseman, who was fired by the city council in a split vote on Feb. 1. Huseman was the Gonzales city manager since 2008.

"I became interested because this is my hometown, and I have friends and family in Gonzales," Windwehen said. "The city needed someone who could come in on short notice and who had relevant experience. I had always thought I might be interested in doing some interim work, and this was a perfect opportunity."

Windwehen, who announced his retirement last summer after 36 years with the city of Victoria, the last five as city manager, also said he has a weekend home in Gonzales.

Gonzales Mayor Bobby O'Neal said he was pleased with the council's unanimous decision to hire Windwehen, 60.

"He's a local guy. He grew up here," O'Neal said. "Plus he has a wealth of experience. He is well respected and very capable."

O'Neal said the city will continue to search for a permanent city manager.

Since taking vacation in November, Windwehen's duties in Victoria have been performed by Deputy City Manager Charmelle Garrett.

The Victoria City Council appointed Garrett as Windwehen's replacement in September, and she will officially become Victoria's city manager on March 1.